Dallas prosecutor fired over spat with Uber driver

Nov. 14 (UPI) -- A Dallas public prosecutor was fired from her position after admitting she threatened and insulted an Uber driver during a ride last week.

Jody Warner, an attorney for the Dallas District Attorney's Office, said Tuesday that she was wrong to hurl threats and abuse at driver Shaun Platt last week, as she was driven home from a Dallas pub.

Platt said he guessed Warner had been drinking, and recorded her comments on his cellphone. The transcript indicates that Warner called Platt an "idiot" and "stupid." At one point, the recording indicates, she said, "I think this might be a kidnapping," and added that she could call police and arrange a beating.

There was no admission by Warner that she had been drinking on that night.

"She kept saying she's an assistant DA and said, 'Who are they going to believe, you or me?' and I said, 'You know what, you're kind of right,' so I took out my phone and I recorded it," Platt told ABC News.

Platt called police after Warner refused to leave his vehicle, adding that she struck him. Warner denied the accusation.

Platt had declined to press charges, but Warner was fired on Monday.

"After careful consideration and a thorough investigation, I have decided to terminate Ms. Warner," Dallas District Attorney Faith Johnson said in a statement. "Although criminal charges have not been filed, her behavior is contrary to this office's core principle of integrity, and it will not be tolerated."

Warner was tearful Tuesday, and said, "I'm very sorry for the language I used. I'm not proud of it. I appreciate being given the opportunity to give my side.

"I'm not trying to make any accusations against that driver. I don't know what's in his heart. I can tell you that not everything he said was true. I never touched him. I'm not ever going to justify anything that I said. There's just a little bit more to it and I was wrong."

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